Aircraft and watercraft emergency information system

Abstract

A method for collecting and recording external environment data in emergency situation for aircraft and watercraft is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes several modules which collects and records external environment data. At the same time the data and the emergency signal is also sent to control tower in order to help the rescue team. The emergency information system may also be used to replace the ‘black box’ if the voyage data transmitted to the “black box” is also transmitted to the emergency information system.

1. A method, comprising: an Aircraft and Watercraft Emergency Information System (AWEIS) which contains:
 Audio-Video Module collects and records a real-time data of an external environment; 
 Positioning & Signaling Module detects and records the location information; the Positioning & Signaling Module contacts a control tower when needed; 
 Floatable Module is a container for Audio-Video Module and Positioning & Signaling Module; the Floatable Module can be ejected when in emergency; after the Floatable Module was ejected, the Audio-Video Module and Positioning & Signaling Module will start to work collecting, recording and sending data to the control tower in order to help a rescue team; 
 Lighting Signal Module is set on the Floatable Module; the Lighting Signal Module includes an Active Lighting Unit and a Color Marker Unit which provides light signal for rescue; 
 Release and Ejection Module is installed between airframe and Floatable Module which can be controlled manually, electronically or automatically; the Release and Ejection Module launches the Floatable Module when necessary; 
 Traction Module connects the aircraft and the Floatable Module; when the Floatable Module is ejected, the Traction Module keeps the aircraft and Floatable Module connected at a certain distant to ensure the collection of environment data; and 
 Power Module is power supply unit for the system. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the film box unit in the Floatable Module which is pre-charged with high-pressure low-density gas can float in the air or above water after inflation. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the Traction Module includes a traction wire unit and a damping control unit; the traction wire unit connects the aircraft and Floatable Module; the damping control unit controls the releasing speed of the wire. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the Power Module is the power supply unit for the ‘AWEIS’ which is included in the Audio-Video Module, the Positioning & Signaling Module and the Lighting Signal Module. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the Release and Ejection Module includes the space-limiting-unit and ejection-unit; the space-limiting-unit limits the size of Floatable Module before the Floatable Module was launched; the ejection-unit releases the Floatable Module and ejects it outside the aircraft.